Humanities at the heart of government: what does policy making stand to gain?

In this session, speakers cover the role of the humanities in shaping public policy from the view of a civil servant, the toxic and complex issue of the free movement of workers, and the humanities and policy making in a hyper-connected world. The session was chaired by Lord Richard Wilson (Cabinet Secretary 1998 - 2002) and speakers included Graham Pendlebury (Department for Transport); Professor Catherine Barnard (Professor of European Law, University of Cambridge); and Dr Fabrizio Sestini (European Commission DG Connect).

The study of the humanities can provide context, meaning and narrative to many of the cultural considerations that frame policy making. How can research in these disciplines deliver the greatest benefit to all citizens?